Steve Wilson, 47, has been sentenced to eight months in prison after violently attacking a woman who had offered him shelter while he was homeless. Wilson appeared at Newcastle Crown Court via video link from Durham prison, having pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Background of the Case
The court heard that the victim, who had known Wilson since school, allowed him to stay in her home in November 2025 after he contacted her in October of that year. Prosecutor Ian Cook stated: "(The victim) offered him a place to stay. He was homeless at the time. They were not in a relationship; they were just friends." However, Wilson disputed this in a pre-sentence report, claiming they were in a relationship.
Cook explained that tensions escalated as Wilson struggled with a cocaine addiction. The first assault occurred on January 26, 2026, when the victim returned home late from work. Wilson shouted at her, and when she attempted to leave, he pushed her to the ground, kicked her, causing bruising to her thigh, and bit her on the left shoulder.
Second Attack and Arrest
Five days later, on January 31, the victim came home after going out for a drink. Wilson confronted her, calling her abusive names. Cook described the attack: "He threw the victim onto the settee, got on top of her, grabbing her by the throat with his right hand and punching her several times to the face with the other hand." The victim managed to escape to the bathroom and called the police. Wilson gave a no-comment interview when questioned.
Defence and Sentencing
Defence lawyer Nicoleta Alistari argued that Wilson is generally of good character, aside from a caution for criminal damage during a previous relationship breakdown. She noted: "The defendant was in some difficulty at the time of the offending. I understand he does have a problem with alcohol, and his mental health was poor, perhaps due to that to a significant extent."
Recorder Matthew Rose addressed Wilson directly: "In October 2025, you got in touch with her. The following month, she offered you a place to stay. You say you were in fact in a relationship. Whatever the truth was, she let you move into her home at a time when you were in a difficult set of circumstances. She therefore showed you a good deal of hospitality and kindness, and sadly, you repaid her with violence."
Rose sentenced Wilson to eight months in prison, but he was released immediately due to time already served on remand. A five-year restraining order was also imposed to protect the victim.
